Environmental Standard Operating Procedure 13
Otter Mitigation for River Corridor Works
River corridors in the Broads are
important habitats for otter, a European
Survey and licensing

can
be
undertaken
and habitat use, although peaks of
Action Plan (BAP) priority species. Working
sprainting activity may occur in winter
practices aim to comply with the
protects the animal and its resting and
surveys
throughout the year to identify presence
Protected Species (EPS) & UK Biodiversity
protected species legislation which
Otter
and spring;

The presence of breeding and resting
places in or close to the works area
breeding places (holts).
would mean that the work could not
proceed without a European Protected
Species (EPS) licence. This is unlikely to
be awarded if alternative work sites are
available. In some cases, a license may
not be necessary, provided adequate
safeguards are in place.

Use of the site by otters for feeding and
movement through the river corridor
would not normally require a licence,
provided
Paul Glendell/Natural England
Aim
sufficient
adjacent
wetland
habitat is available.
To avoid disturbance, killing and injury to otters &
orholts.
habitat?
damage Photograph?
or destruction Otter
to otter
Environmental Risk
Impact
Likelihood
Mitigation
Damage &
Low
Pre-survey, no
disturbance of
work at or near
otter holts
holts except under
(breeding sites)
licence
Damage &
Medium
Pre-survey, no
disturbance of
work at or near
otter resting
resting places
sites
except under
licence
Disturbance,
Low
Working practices
killing & injury
to minimise
of otters
dangers to otters
Otter holt in tree root system, showing well
used path from the river.
Photo Geoff Liles
Environmental Standard Operating Procedure 13
Otter Mitigation for River Corridor Works
Standard

Consultation
Working practices should always aim to
minimise dangers to riparian species
including otters;


Apply for European Protected Species
(EPS) licence from Natural England if
works or other activities are expected to
should not be left in the works area
cause significant disturbance to otters.
otters which move at night;
Delivery method

Chemicals spills should be cleaned up
immediately;

BA - Conservation
Materials such as netting & cutting tools
where they might entangle or injure


records for works area.

spraints, foot prints, slides and holts
for otters along the flood bank,
(taking into account high water levels
particularly where otters maybe forced

Any signs or sightings of otter should be
Conservation team to survey works area;
Otter survey to include otter sightings,
Site fencing should not block corridors
onto roads;
Check with NWT for otter distribution
can erase otter signs).

Conservation team to determine impacts
and plan mitigation.
reported to the Conservation team.
OTTER CONSULTATION AND MITIGATION
PROGRAMME
.





River corridor site selection
Identify river work sites
Complete internal consultation with conservation team
Otter surveys
Conservation Officer checks NWT otter distribution data.
Conservation Officer carries out otter survey & determines if
alternative sites are required to avoid disturbance to otter.
Apply for licence from Natural England if activities are expected to
cause significant disturbance to otters.
Checks
Natural England licence obained
Internal Consultation
Further Information

Steve Henson at NWT to be notified of
presence of holts.

Natural England – European Protected
Species
http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/regu
lation/wildlife/species/europeanprotectedspecies
.aspx